Following its debut at Rio 2016 and a Covid-impacted Tokyo 2020 Games, rugby sevens is poised for a significant milestone at Paris 2024. The event, held at the iconic Stade de France, is expected to draw a record-breaking crowd, with over 550,000 fans across eight sessions and millions more tuning in worldwide.

Competition Schedule
The men’s competition will take place on 24, 25, and 27 July, with the first team sport gold medal of the Games awarded to the men’s rugby sevens champions. The women’s tournament follows on 28-30 July.

Key Matches:

24 July: Australia vs. Samoa (15:30 CET), France vs. USA (16:30 CET), Fiji vs. Uruguay (17:00 CET)
28 July: Ireland vs. Great Britain (15:30 CET), New Zealand vs. China, Australia vs. South Africa
Format and Expectations
Each team will play three pool matches, with the top eight advancing to the quarter-finals on the second day. The semi-finals and medal matches will take place on the third day, where Olympic dreams will be made or broken.

Anticipation and Excitement
Rugby sevens is set to be a highlight of Paris 2024, continuing the excitement from the successful Rugby World Cup 2023 in France. Stade de France, which hosted the opening match and final of the Rugby World Cup, will be the venue for all the action.

Competitive Field
Fiji, the reigning men’s Olympic champions, will defend their title against a competitive field, including recent SVNS Grand Final champions France and 2024 SVNS league winners Argentina. In the women’s competition, Australia and New Zealand, each with an Olympic gold, face strong contenders like France, USA, and Canada.

Global Representation
All six World Rugby regions are represented among the 24 teams, with debutants Uruguay and Samoa in the men’s competition and Ireland in the women’s.

Statements from Leaders
World Rugby Chairman Sir Bill Beaumont: “We anticipate a ‘coming of age’ event as rugby sevens kicks off the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. The stage is set for a spectacular celebration of our sport at its breathtaking best, with record crowds and a global audience.”

Paris 2024 Executive Sports Director Aurelie Merle: “This third appearance of rugby sevens at the Olympic Games is an exceptional showcase of thrilling sport and unique fan culture, fitting perfectly with our vision for a spectacular and popular celebration.”

France Men’s Captain Paulin Riva: “We are excited to compete and aim for a medal. With the amazing support and atmosphere at Stade de France, we are ready to take on top teams like Argentina, Fiji, and New Zealand.”

New Zealand Women’s Co-Captain Sarah Hirini: “It’s special to be back at the Olympics. We’re aiming to create history while enjoying the moment and playing in front of huge crowds.”

Fiji Men’s Captain Jerry Tuwai: “Our goal is to defend our Olympic gold. The atmosphere will be electric, and we’re ready to compete against the best, including France and Antoine Dupont.”

Australia Women’s Captain Charlotte Caslick: “We are excited to begin. We’ve worked hard and are motivated to win, especially with the support of our families and the incredible crowd at Stade de France.”

Ireland Men’s Captain Harry McNulty: “We’re relaxed and ready to kick off. The excitement around the sport is incredible, and we’re looking forward to competing at the highest level.”

USA Women’s Captain Naya Tapper: “Playing in front of so many fans is thrilling. We’re prepared and confident, aiming for gold and inspiring the next generation.”

As Paris 2024 approaches, the anticipation builds for rugby sevens to deliver unforgettable moments and showcase the sport’s dynamic and global appeal.
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]